By Marty Price
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble. (Psalm 107:1-2)
This space in the newsletter allows me to share different things that the Lord places on my heart. Sometimes I seek to explain and apply a particular passage of scripture. Other times I share updates about how God is working in our congregation and community. Occasionally I take this space just to share what is on my heart. Well, today my heart is full, and I hope at least a portion of it flows onto this page.
Early last month during a Leadership Team meeting I received a text from Mom that said in part, “Luther is on his way to heaven slowly.” I left immediately, and two days later Dad left us and went to be present with the Lord. Over the last few weeks since then Suzanne and I have been comforted and encouraged by you. Your thoughts and prayers, cards and comments, hugs and handshakes, gifts, and GIFs, have reminded us that the closest thing to being in heaven is to be a part of God’s family here on earth. Thank you.
While I am eagerly anticipating the completion of our new building back in the West End, I never lose sight of the wonderful truth that we are the church, and the building is a tool. Don’t misunderstand, the building is important, but it is the church that loves and glorifies God and that loves people and cares for them. In the restructuring of our ministry teams almost all of you have identified one or more teams with which you are willing to serve or are already serving. Don’t miss the significance of that! I know a lot of churches that say every member is a minister (servant), but I know of very few who actually live into that. I thank God for you!
Have you ever built or remodeled a house? If so, you know that there are times of anticipation, cooperation, and just fun. Other times, not so much. Every detail and decision provide the opportunity for differences of opinion. Unity in this context is a mark of spiritual maturity, and the leadership team and I have been blessed by your patience and grace during this process! We thank God for you!
In a recent conversation a local pastor told me I was a very lucky man. I understood his intent, but I am NOT lucky. Neither chance, fate, nor coincidence have determined my circumstance. Rather, from the smallest of things to the greatest, from the trials to the triumphs, all things have been ordained by God for my good and for His glory. I think it best to conclude this note by saying along with the Psalmist, I give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His steadfast love endures forever. He redeemed me though there was nothing in me worthy of redemption. He forgave and cleansed me. He showed me the purpose He has for my life and has graciously guided me along His path for me. He has blessed me beyond measure. I give thanks to Him!
From Pastor Marty
“Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. (Isaiah 12:4-5)
From Pastor Marty
“Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. (Isaiah 12:4-5)
From Pastor Marty
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…
Psalm 103:1-2
From Pastor Marty
To know about Jesus is essential. It’s foundational to understand His divinity, teachings, miracles, and the path He walked leading to the cross. Our faith is built on these historical truths…
Knowing & Loving Jesus
I was recently asked, “Why do you so often end your public prayers with ‘we love you’ rather than the more formal ‘in Jesus’ name’?” And it’s a good question. I cannot count the number of times I heard Dad, at the beginning of a worship service, say, “If you haven’t told the Lord you love Him yet today, tell him now.”
The Road to the Cross
Hallelujah! What a Savior! This month we are going to be studying just a few of the events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. We’ll start in the upper room, move to the court of Pilate, then to Calvary, and finally to the empty tomb.
